WIDELY-RECOGNISED PROGRAMME AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE UAE
DIPLOMA AVAILABLE IN STANDARD AND ADVANCED CATEGORIES
COURSE OPEN TO ALL NATIONALITIES
The widely-recognized Cambridge International Diploma in Travel and Tourism has been launched for the first time in the UAE by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in association with Knowledge Horizon, thereby offering a rare opportunity to people from all nationalities to gain knowledge and practical skills about the fast-expanding global industry.
The launch ceremony took place at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel on Wednesday (March 15, 2006) in the presence of a large gathering which included tourism industry professionals, government officials, educational experts and others.
DTCM Manager Human Resources, Mr. Ibrahim Yaqoot, said: "On behalf of the department and DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, I would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the University of Cambridge and Knowledge Horizon for the wonderful initiative that will contribute significantly towards providing quality professional education with the seal of approval from one of the prestigious universities in the world."
The DTCM has been selected as the Certified International Examination Centre for the diploma.
He said: "The launch of travel and tourism diploma comes at a time when Dubai is being praised all over for being the fastest growing destination. The diploma will offer quality professional education and help raise the excellence levels."
The diploma will be offered in two categories -Standard and Advanced - spanning eight to ten months. All nationalities are eligible to apply for the course but with a prerequisite of a high school diploma and a good command over the English language.
The diploma has been recognized for its quality educational values by the Institute of Corporate Management in Hong Kong, China's Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Singapore's Skills Development Fund. The course is being offered for the first time in the UAE.
Ms. Daine Palmer, Director of Assessment Services at the University of Cambridge International Examinations, said: "In addition to our portfolio of general qualifications, we also offer a number of vocational qualifications for the international market. The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) has been active in the Middle East and has two offices in the region, one exclusively covering the AGCC region."
CIE is successfully pursuing i-Teach, a blended online courses leading to the Cambridge International Diploma in Teaching with ICT.
Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum IT Education Project (ITEP), the first batch of i-Teach teachers will soon complete their final assignments.
Dr. Maen Al Qatamin, President, Knowledge Horizon, Cambridge International Associate Partner, said: "The tourism experience is a quality-driven one, and interaction with employees of tourism-based establishments is a key determinant of quality. Hence, determining local training needs of tourism-based employees would provide value assistance to any local tourism industry."
"We congratulate DTCM in addressing the training needs of the tourism industry in the UAE with the aim of establishing a tourist-friendly workforce capable of consistently ensuring excellent service and hospitality. We are pleased to be part of this initiative by the DTCM and proud to be working the CIE to deliver these qualifications in the region."
The University of Cambridge, founded in 13th century, is today one of the top universities in the world, famous both for its teaching and research. The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world's largest provider of international school examinations with more than 6,000 examination centers in over 150 countries.
Mr. William Bickerdike, Regional Director, Cambridge International Examinations, said: "More than two million candidates appear for Cambridge examinations each year. In the UAE, there are about 70 Cambridge centres as well as a number of training centres offering courses which lead to Cambridge International Diplomas."
The Cambridge International Diploma in Travel and Tourism develops knowledge and practical skills for people working in or preparing to work
In the rapidly changing and expanding global travel and tourism industry.
It will help develop students' knowledge of key elements of the tourism industry and create an opportunity for specialization through optional modules like marketing and promotion, ecotourism and business and executive travel.
The Advanced level is for students who have completed the Standard diploma in Travel and Tourism, people with an acquired knowledge of the industry, supervisors and junior managers with proven skills.
The course include four modules the travel and tourism industry, travel organization, marketing and promotion and visitor services.
-Ends-
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MOHAMMED ABDUL MANNAN
Executive, Media Relations
Tel: +971 4 201 0421
Fax: +971 4 223 00 22
Email: mmannan@dubaitourism.ae
DEBASREE S
Officer, Media Relations
Telephone +971 4 201 0462
+971 4 223 00 22
Fax +971 4 201 0412
Email: sdebasree@dubaitourism.ae
© Press Release 2006
